Three Decorah High School students named National Merit Semifinalists

Three current and former Decorah High School students have been named 2011 National Merit Semifinalists.  They are: Benjamin Bernatz, the son of Richard and Dodi Bernatz; Bethany Davidson, the daughter of David Davidson and Korrine Jackson; and Jacqueline Ott, the daughter of James and Sue Ann Ott.  They are among the 16,000 Semifinalists selected in the 56th annual National Merit Scholarship Program.

The three will continue in the competition for some 8,400 National Merit Scholarships, worth more than $36 million, that will be offered next spring.  Students will submit applications and recommendations and will take the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) within the next three months.

About 90 percent of the Semifinalists are expected to attain Finalist standing.  Around 5,000 students will be named National Merit Scholars next spring and summer, with each awarded a $2,500 scholarship.